{"id":415405,"date":"2024-02-01T09:00:07","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T15:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/?p=415405"},"modified":"2025-10-09T14:35:03","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T19:35:03","slug":"surefire-x300-series-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/surefire-x300-series-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Surefire X300 Series: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the mid-1980s, Surefire<\/a> entered the pistol-mounted weapon light market with their Model 310. In the early 2000s, Surefire introduced the X200 weapon light with a then-blistering 60 lumens. While unimpressive by today\u2019s standards, it was a major advancement in weapon light technology. Since then, Surefire developed an impressive array of weapon lights culminating with the Surefire X300 series at the core of their reputation.<\/p>\n

The Surefire X300 isn\u2019t a single-weapon light model. In reality, the X300 has had several iterations and developments over the years. If you\u2019re in the market for a weapon light, the X300 series is worth taking a gander. Before doing so, it\u2019s helpful to know where the X300 started, where it is today, and what you\u2019re getting depending on the variant you select.<\/p>\n

The Surefire X300 Series<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When the Surefire X300 was introduced, it became an instant success. The original X300 boasted 175 lumens from its LED light source. Like the X200, 175 lumens doesn\u2019t seem like a lot compared to today\u2019s weapon lights. Nevertheless, the Surefire X300 began a series of weapon lights that are, by all accounts, legendary. Let\u2019s delve into the modern series of Surefire X300 weapon lights and find out what makes each of them an impressive tool worth adding to your collection.<\/p>\n

Appearance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Surefire X300 series of lights have virtually no difference in appearance. The X300 Ultra and Turbo models are marked on the body with their respective designations but are otherwise virtually indistinguishable between them.<\/p>\n

Operation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Regardless of the variant, the X300 series all operate the same. The two flanges on the rear of the light act as a constant or momentary \u201con\u201d switch. The X300’s operation is truly ambidextrous. Since flipping the paddle up or down to turn it on and off is somewhat awkward, the paddle is also designed to act as a pressure switch. By pushing forward on the switch, the light is on for as long as you apply pressure. Once you release the switch, it turns off. Over the years, I\u2019ve become a staunch advocate for the simplicity of this design. Frankly, it\u2019s idiot-proof.<\/p>\n

Model \u201cA\u201d vs Model \u201cB\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Surefire offers the X300 in two variants: \u201cA\u201d and \u201cB\u201d. As far as lumens and candela are concerned, there is no difference between the A and B variants. However, the manner of mounting is dramatically different between the two.<\/p>\n

\"Surefire
The Surefire X300 “B” variant uses a simple thumbscrew and rail section to securely fasten it to a weapon’s rail. (Photo from GunMagWarehouse)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the interest of tackling the simplest design first, let\u2019s discuss the B variant. The B\u2019s mounting system is a simple thumb screw design with an interchangeable rail slot. The provided rail slots are labeled as Picatinny or \u201cUniversal\u201d mounts depending on what it’s mounted to. Otherwise, it\u2019s a simple matter of using a spent case rim to tighten or loosen the thumbscrew to the mounting rail.<\/p>\n

Model A<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The A variant<\/a> is a slightly more complex design. The A variant includes two styles of locking mechanisms for the light to attach to a rail. One variant features a spring-loaded catch that you pull away from the rail it\u2019s mounted to when removing the light. This mechanism is reliable and was my go-to for years. However, the light wiggled some when mounted to polymer frame pistols. I ultimately opted to use Surefire\u2019s Rail-Lock system. This system allows you to slide the light onto the rail and then uses a crossbolt-style latch to lock it onto the desired rail section.<\/p>\n

\"Surefire
The “A” variant mounting system on the Surefire X300. The Rail-Lock cross-bolt (1), cross-bolt locking tabs (2), and tension plate (3) offer convenient removal but remain exceptionally secure during use.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I prefer this design because it includes a tensioner set screw that tightens the flashlight to the rail it\u2019s mounted against. While this may seem to be an oddly unnecessary number of steps to achieve the same security as the B variant\u2019s thumbscrew, it\u2019s not. This design avoids a potential pitfall when securely mounting thumbscrew weapon lights to polymer pistols. With thumbscrew designs, the tension to secure the light pinches the sides of the firearm\u2019s rail. This is all fine and dandy until you overtighten it and it causes the polymer frame to flex and bind against the slide. This can cause a firearm stoppage in an “undesirable moment of adrenaline.” Surefire\u2019s Rail-Lock system avoids this by applying pressure underneath the rail while a cross-bolt in the rail slot holds it securely in place. Both of these mounting designs are included with X300 A variants.<\/p>\n

Surefire X300 Ultra 500<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While no longer in production, the Surefire X300 Ultra 500 was a recent enough addition to Surefire\u2019s lineup that I felt it was worth discussing. Furthermore, I have my own bias since I own several of these.<\/p>\n

The X300 Ultra was introduced nearly a decade ago and was advertised as a significant upgrade to the X300 lineup. Undoubtedly, it was a massive step in the realm of weapon illumination. The X300 Ultra 500 had 500 lumens of brilliant light in a wide cone that was perfectly at home mounted on a pistol or rifle.<\/p>\n

The two X300 Ultra 500 variants I own are still in regular use today. My duty Glock 17 MOS currently sports one while the other is a backup. In nearly 10 years of abuse and occasional misuse, I\u2019ve yet to experience a failure from this light due to anything other than dead batteries. While an amazing piece of equipment that serves a fine role as a pistol light, Surefire had bigger and better plans for their Ultra series.<\/p>\n

Surefire X300 Ultra 1000<\/h2>\n

Released in 2018, the current Surefire X300 Ultra is a 1,000-lumen powerhouse. I own the B variant ($339.99)<\/a> which resides on my patrol rifle as a dedicated rifle light. This light has a potent 11,300 candela with an advertised range of over 200 meters. I\u2019ve used this light in a law enforcement capacity for nearly five years with consistently impressive performance.<\/p>\n

\"Surefire
The original X300 Ultra 500 lumen (top) compared to the current 1,000-lumen Ultra (bottom) at 50 yards. The wide beam of the lights illuminates a large area for assessing an environment while minimizing hotspots. The 1,000-lumen Ultra is noticeably brighter without washing out detail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The X300 Ultra 1000 has a wide light spread with a gradual fade towards the edges. Nevertheless, I\u2019ve not had an issue with the identification or environmental assessment of the light. The wider light dispersion doesn\u2019t create hot spots that overwhelm my vision at night but still lights up a target with blinding illumination. The light\u2019s tone is pleasant on the user\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Surefire X300 Turbo<\/h2>\n

I\u2019ll openly admit I\u2019m a bit of a flashlight nerd, and sometimes I geek out about lights. The Surefire X300 Turbo ($332.99)<\/a> is one of those lights. Once again, the Turbo appears the same as its Ultra counterparts but for the \u201cTurbo\u201d emblazoned on the side. Much like a \u201csleeper\u201d hot rod, it\u2019s not the exterior you should judge it by, but what\u2019s under the hood.<\/p>\n

\"Surefire
The Surefire X300 Ultra (top) versus the Turbo (bottom) at 100 yards. Notice how the Turbo illuminates through the trees and brightly illuminates the steel targets at 100 yards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When looking at the LED head, there are some subtle differences between the two lights. The Turbo\u2019s LED and reflective cone differ from its Ultra counterpart. This difference is what puts the Turbo in a different category from its X300 siblings. According to Surefire, the X300 Turbo is only <\/em>650 lumens. However, it provides a blistering 66,000 candela with an advertised range of over 500 meters \u2013 more than double the X300 Ultra 1000.<\/p>\n

\"Turbo
The Turbo’s tight beam (bottom) is laser-like when seen from the side compared to the Ultra (top).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Turbo’s beam is remarkably tighter than the Ultra. While taking photos for this article, the laser-like beam emitted from the Turbo was impressive at night. If you’re wondering, I haven’t tried to set anything on fire with it \u2014 yet. If your needs require a weapon light with a focused beam, this should undoubtedly be a frontrunner for your next purchase.<\/p>\n

Surefire X300 on Rifles<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When shopping for weapon lights, some of us perceive light designs as dedicated to pistols or rifles only \u2013 never both. However, the X300\u2019s design easily lends itself to a pistol or rifle with virtually no modification to the light. Admittedly, I stole the idea from others, so I can\u2019t claim any genius in this method. Its reliability has served me exceptionally well over the years.<\/p>\n

\"Rifle
The Surefire X300’s design is perfect for pistol or rifle use. This X300 Ultra is mounted atop a Daniel Defense M4 with RIS II rail system. The author loves this setup for its simplicity, reliability, and convenience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When mounted on top of a rail, the light is in a perfect position for momentary or constant-on activation with your thumb. The switch acts as a convenient pressure pad that sits perfectly in line with a \u201cC\u201d-clamp-style shooting grip. Furthermore, with the light mounted on top of the rail, it almost perfectly co-witnesses with the rifle\u2019s optic, if so equipped. I prefer this light orientation since it avoids any issues with light offset from your sight picture. While not always a problem, a light offset from your optic (e.g. mounted on the side or bottom of a rifle) can inadvertently blind you or be useless when working from behind cover. If all you\u2019re trying to present to the threat is your optic and barrel, an offset light could potentially remain obscured behind cover or concealment. Accordingly, you must expose yourself further to the target to properly utilize your light. Top rail mounting of the X300 easily avoids this problem.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve made it this far, I appreciate you entertaining my rambling love affair for the X300 series. If you\u2019ve come to know me, I have a canned response to many questions that revolve around what I think are the best gear, firearms, or tactics: “It depends”. External factors and changing circumstances often impact the answer to a question, and there\u2019s almost always an exception to the rule. However, the Surefire X300 isn\u2019t an exception to the rule. It is the rule. While not in everyone\u2019s immediate budget, I encourage you to save up for one of Surefire\u2019s X300 variants and add it to your defensive firearm repertoire. You won’t be disappointed.
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